Peptide compositions for the treatment of HIV infection

Abstract

The present invention provides for peptide conjugate compositions, methods of using the peptide conjugate compositions, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptide conjugate compositions. The peptide conjugate compositions comprise peptides with amino acid sequences similar to the gp120 principal neutralizing domain (PND) of HIV, gp41, and Nef (p27) of HIV and carriers which enhance immunogenicity. The peptide conjugate compositions of the present invention may comprise a multivalent cocktail of several different peptide conjugates. Also provided by present invention is a method for reducing the level of HIV titers in a mammal by administering to the mammal a peptide composition of the present invention in an amount effective to reduce the level of HIV titers. The peptide conjugate compositions of the present invention induce prolonged antibody response in serum, a high level of antibody in the mucosa, and the production of cytotoxic lymphocytes. The peptide conjugate compositions of the present invention also elicit neutralizing antibodies and decrease viral loads in a subject.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method for treating a mammal at risk for HIV infection comprising administering to said mammal a peptide composition comprising peptides KRIHIGPGRAFYT (SEQ ID NO:1), RSIHIGPGRAFYA (SEQ ID NO:6), KSITKGPGRVIYA (SEQ ID NO:7), KGIAIGPGRTLYA (SEQ ID NO:8) and SRVTLGPGRVWYT (SEQ ID NO:9), wherein each peptide is coupled to a PPD carrier, and wherein the peptide composition is administered to said mammal in an amount effective to reduce the level of HIV titers in said mammal upon subsequent HIV infection. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered intradermally. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein a PPD carrier is conjugated to each peptide via glutalderhyde.